Joan & Jenny
- Start date: 1 June 2004
- Age When Completed: 70
- Direction Walked: Sectional
- Others in Group:
Joan Clark
General Comments
Experience of a lifetime. By doing it in sections, it gave us time to really enjoy the local flora and fauna.
Food/Supplies Comments
At the beginning we were carrying heavy food supplied but after a few trips started dehydrating our meals though we continued to carry bananas, apples and homemade fruit cake. Another necessity was our bladder of wine and nibblies for our evening sundowner! On one occasion, our prehidden stash was raided by local fauna who seemed to really enjoy our red wine….hence a dry camp that night!!!
Favourite Section
Frankland River which was our first overnight adventure. We arrived at the hut just on dark and awoke next morning to the beautiful sight of the Frankland River on our doorstep. This was when we cemented our decision to complete the whole track.
Highlights
Getting lost on Abyssinia Rock. Throwing ourselves into the freezing water at Mandalay Beach. The amazing views captured along the track and all the interesting people we met along the way.
Personal Reactions
Sometimes you wondered why your doing this when every muscle is screaming after all the up down, up down and the last kilometre into the campsite seems to go on forever. Then there’s the feeling of euphoria when at last you reach the hut and the overwhelming joy of achievement which makes it all worthwhile. Being out on the track your able to escape the day to day routine and rejuvenate your body and mind.
Wildlife
We did not see as much as we thought we would…probably because of the noise of us approaching scared them away. Plentiful birdlife around Peaceful Bay area. Saw the odd lizard and snake running away from us , thank goodness. Glimpsed a few kangaroos also Red-tailed Black Cockatoos and Carnaby’s.
Your Best Equipment
Walking poles, gas cooker, fixomull and tiger balm!
Your Worst Equipment
Our first backpack as they were ill fitting and heavy.
Advice for Others
Invest in good fitting light backpack and boots. Also when you stop for a rest along the track just make sure you take a mental note of the direction you are walking in as the Waugals look the same from either direction and from experience it is very easy to get confused